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ESPN's most famous college basketball announcer has made his return to the booth for the 2021-22 season. He's back, baby!
D California Baptist Lancers shirt ick Vitale, 82, called the highly anticipated Gonzaga-UCLA matchup on Tuesday, his first appearance on a game broadcast since he was diagnosed with lymphoma in October. This year marks his 42nd season commentating games for ESPN.
MORE: Vitale reveals he has lymphoma months after beating melanoma
When Vitale was first shown on the broadcast Tuesday night, he struggled Colorado Buffaloes shirt to hold back tears while he spoke.
"I didn't want to cry. I can't believe I'm sitting here. It's rea Florida vs. Georgia Rivalry shirt Cumberland Phoenix Jerseys lly a big thrill for me," Vitale said. "I want to thank all you people who sent me so Texas vs. Oklahoma Rivalry shirt many great messages."
MORE: Cancer fight keeps Vitale from Champio Eastern Michi College Cold Weather Jerseys gan Eagles shirt ns Classic for first time
Vitale was beyond excited when his doctors cleared him to travel to Las Veg WVU vs. Pitt Rivalry Gear as for the Empire Classic game between the top two teams in the College Operation Hat Trick Apparel country. He called it "the medicine of sitting courtside," per Yahoo Sports.
While preparing for the game, Vitale had to reach out to coaches through the phone since his doctors wouldn't allow him to attend shootarounds. He changed his pregame routine, and he was still able to get a scouting report ready before tipoff.
Vitale has been vocal about his cancer battle since he was diagnosed in October. He consistently tweets updates about his condition, and his fans always send him warm messages and encourage him to keep fighting.
Vitale hasn't said if he will continue to announce games this season, but college basketball fans will take any chance they can get to hear Dickie V on the call.
